I think I would still try to spare my son a court appearance, unless you think his statement is maliciously wrong and absolutely must be contested.
I believe the sentence is lower if you plead guilty and save the court time. It sounds as if you agree you are guilty as charged, in which case pleading not guilty is unlikely to do you any good and may do you harm (by increasing the sentence).
Get a good lawyer, unless you are confident in your own ability as a public speaker, and make sure your explanation is put clearly. Show remorse, which you seem to feel. Consider signing up for some sort of anger management course: it may impress the court, and it may help you with your relationship in the future.